SA storm bill to run into millions

The damage bill from two days of fierce storms across the Adelaide Hills and South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula will run into millions of dollars, authorities say.

The State Emergency Service responded to almost 2000 calls for help across Monday and Tuesday as hundreds of trees were brought down, crashing onto houses, buildings, power lines and roads.

One man was also killed as he tried to clear a road and was crushed by a falling tree.

A total of 120,000 properties were cut off during the severe storms, but that was reduced to about 3000 by late on Wednesday.

SES chief officer Chris Beattie said the damage was widespread and would amount to a significant insurance bill and costs to councils and other organisations.

"There has been no attempt to estimate the total cost of damage at this stage and we'll just wait and see how that pans out once organisations have a better understanding of the level of impact," he said.

However, Mr Beattie said the cost would "undoubtedly" run into millions.

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Emergency Services Minister Peter Malinauskas said the many blackouts were a result of the high number of trees brought down in the storms.

"The thing about this weather event is that although it's not unprecedented, the number of trees down seems to be extraordinary and at a level we haven't seen for some time in this stage," the minister said.

"Whenever you see a lot of trees down, it does result in a lot of power lines being down and that has affected supply."

With the severe weather moving to the east, the Bureau of Meteorology said conditions across South Australia would improve with largely fine conditions forecast until Tuesday.